Repercussions of Iran's trade embargo

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha

Q: A trade embargo on Iran has been imposed by the United States of America. Will it lead to a fuel shortage in Sri Lanka since Iran is one of our main fuel suppliers?

A: The embargo will not affect us in the near future. A grace period of six months has been given prior to its full implementation.

Measures have also been taken to obtain crude oil supplies from other sources.

Discussions have been held already with Oman and Saudi Arabia.

We expect to talk to other friendly countries in Asia and the Middle East regarding supply of oil soon.

Dengue menace : Public cooperation still lacking

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena

Q: The latest statistics show that dengue menace has been brought under control up to a certain extent last year. While in 2010, 34,000 dengue patients and 246 deaths were reported, in 2009 the dengue claimed 346 lives and there with 35,000 dengue cases. This positive trend should be improved. Your comments?

A: The public must take a note of this national effort of destroying mosquitoes in this country. Although the public is now aware of most of the common mosquito breeding sites such as yoghurt cups, tyres etc., they are still not aware of some other mosquito breeding sources such as pieces of roofing sheets, plastic covers and plants, coconut shells, trees such as bananas and pineapple. The property-owners of such mosquito breeding sites must take action to clear those breeding sites.

Under the mosquito control program legal action will be taken against the people who do not comply with the Government's mosquito control effort. People should support the government's national effort.
 

State welfare for elders

Social Services Minister Felix Perera

Q: Over 1.6 million out of 20 million population in Sri Lanka are over the age of 60. Most of them face enormous difficulties due to various reasons. The Social Services Ministry has a great responsibility to look after them. What steps have been taken by the Ministry for the welfare of the elders?

A: A separate secretariat, the Elders Secretariat was set up at 150 A, Nawala Road, Nugegoda to look into elders' protection. There is a special Parliamentary Act the Elders Act No.9 of 2000 which safeguards the elders' rights. Over 852,253 elders identity cards have been issued to those who are 60 years and over. The elders who hold such ID cards are eligible for special attention at public institutions such as hospitals, banks and transport services. The parents who are neglected by their children could put forward their cases to the maintenance board chaired by a retired Judge, appointed by the Judicial Services Commission.